“Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.” -
Dr. Seuss
Right now I am defining success as “I am choosing exactly
what I want to do.”
Over this past week or so, I have had to say some
goodbyes. I did not ball my eyes
out. There may have a time or two that I
had something caught in my eye. I am absolutely
amazed and feel utterly blessed to have so many friends and my family show
great support.
I said farewell to my FFA family at State Leadership
Conference in Tucson. My students got
another FFA opportunity and experience. Fellow agricultural education teachers
expressed excitement and well wishes.
Magic the Gathering. This trading card game has been my
hobby for the past 8 years. The people
who play this game are unique. From my time in Tucson while I attended the
University of Arizona, I gained a group of gamers. There is also a wonderful
group up here in the tri-cities area. Both helped me to be a better player of
the game and even more so some great friendships. Some of these friends help me
to test my liver, and others invited me in to their homes. I cannot think of a
more dynamic group of people. The game but more the people I played it with I
will miss.
I have said my byes at school as classes ended however there
are a few those remain. Tomorrow I have a meeting with, the superintendent, principle,
incoming teacher, and a few others. Professionally I could not have had better
help, and I could not be happier with who is filling the roll as the next Ag Ed
teacher at Mayer. I am excited to pass on some information, to help Mayer to
continue to build upon success not only for the FFA chapter but for all
students a part of the program and school.
Church. To say that I have been the best Church going person
of the past few years would not be truthful. I do believe that everyone who had
their home Church knows that it is easier to go there at home then it is go elsewhere.
The send off and excitement in which, that community gave to me, tells me that
I am blessed. Thank you.
Most of these goodbyes have not been very heavy on me. The goodbyes
during this next week, my last week in the states, they get harder.
My brothers
A new friendship
My Niece and Nephew
My mentors
And my Parents
Two years is not very long, however it is. I will miss you. I
know just like the opportunity that was Up with People provided a great new
extended family, Peace Corps service will do the same.
Success. I have mentioned the idea to a few of my friends,
that the best thing about my niece and nephew… is that they are my niece and
nephew. I love them. They are the best. But in my life right now I would not
want my own. That same thought can be used here. Yes, I will miss my friends
and family. But this, to go to Peace Corps Zambia is my choice! And I love it! On
any given day I am not always able to give an exact reason of why. Heck some days or depending on who I talk
with the reason will change. But that is
exactly it, there are many reasons why I want to go and I choose to go. My definition of success
is not monies, or things, but it is my ability to choose what I want to do.
Thanks , peace, and enjoy
